A system for real time fluorescence imaging in color for tumor diagnosis

Early tumors can be diagnosed by the fluorescence of an injected, tumor-specific agent such as dihematoporphyrin ether. However, brightness or intensity contrast is low because of the autofluorescence of tissue. Addition of color (hue) information aids in detection of tumors, and in elimination of false positives. Standard color video cameras are not sensitive enough to image the weak fluorescence. Thus an intensified monochrome video camera has been equipped with a synchronized color filter wheel, and the image displayed by multiplexing alternate lines to a red green blue (RGB) monitor.